A man from Belfast, who assaulted two paramedics while they were transporting him to the hospital, has been sentenced to five months in jail. Andrew William Stewart, aged 53, was found guilty of attacking one crew member by hitting them in the face, kicking out at another, and spitting inside their ambulance. The incident occurred on Woodstock Road, where Stewart resides. He admitted to two counts of assault on ambulance personnel and causing damage to the vehicle.
The confrontation unfolded after the paramedics discovered Stewart unconscious at College Square in the city center in September 2024. Upon being brought to the Royal Victoria Hospital, Stewart’s behavior turned aggressive as they approached the facility. One of the paramedics was struck in the eye by Stewart when attempting to assess his condition, resulting in pain and a visible mark on the victim’s face. Stewart also lashed out at another paramedic upon arrival at the hospital’s ambulance dock, causing fear of a potential physical attack, though no contact was made.
Furthermore, Stewart proceeded to spit multiple times inside the ambulance, necessitating a thorough cleaning process. As per a Crown prosecutor, the vehicle had to undergo deep cleaning due to Stewart’s actions during transport. In his defense, Stewart’s lawyer informed the court that his client has no recollection of the events that transpired. The lawyer elaborated that Stewart had been involved in a road traffic collision, discharged from the hospital, and subsequently found unconscious on the street.
Expressing remorse for his actions, Stewart’s legal representative emphasized his client’s regret and shame regarding the incident. During sentencing, the judge admonished Stewart for his behavior, highlighting the critical nature of emergency medical services and the detrimental impact of assaults on healthcare workers. The judge underscored the seriousness of the situation, stating that such actions could potentially impede the timely response of ambulances to other emergencies.
Addressing Stewart directly, the judge emphasized the gravity of his offenses by mentioning that the consequences could have been far more severe. Referring to the possibility of a two-year sentence for the criminal damage caused, the judge acknowledged the temptations faced during the sentencing process. Ultimately, Stewart was handed a five-month prison term for his actions, underscoring the court’s stance against violence towards medical personnel and the safeguarding of emergency services’ effectiveness in the community.
